This delicious Chardonnay exhibits a vibrant light straw color in the glass and presents a lovely, subtle aroma of the stone fruits of pear and peach with a hint of green apple and vanilla. This wine is supple while possessing great natural acidity, balanced and enhanced with modest French oak. The mouthfeel is crisp, yet juicy, with some minerality, and delivers a lingering and elegant finish.

94 Points –James Suckling
“Complex and toasty oak on offer here with a core of fresh lemons and peaches in pristine form. The palate has a terrific, powerful core of mouthwatering lemons and white nectarines and a wave of toasty, attractively spicy oak through the finish.”

96 points,PinotFile(March, 2018)
“Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Complimentary aromas of citrus fruits, honey and caramel oak. Gentle and soothing on the palate, with delightful flavors of lemon, pineapple, apple pan dowdy, crème brûlée and subtle blonde caramel. The wine has a generous acid underbelly and the oak is woven in beautifully. Highly refreshing, with a finish that strongly encourages another sip.”

92 points,Christine Havens (March, 2018)
“Textbook Willamette Valley Chardonnay from the Dundee Hills AVA—I have toured the vineyard more than once, a parcel planted in 1995 with French Dijon clones—the vines sit in deep, brick-hued volcanic soils at elevations between ranging from 710-650 feet. Purity reigns here—a kaleidoscope of crisp Opal apples, pears and lemon curd sink beneath a dusting of talcum powder. The oak is well integrated, lending a light touch of toast to balance out an elegant mineral and spice flecked fruit profile. Sample | 13.5% ABV”

The Knudsen Vineyards 2016 Chardonnay blends estate grown fruit from two blocks on the southern half of our vineyard – higher density, flavorful Block 9, planted in 1995 to the French Dijon clones 95 and 76, grown at elevations between 710-760 feet – and higher density, balanced, micro-scale Block 10, planted in 1995 to the French Dijon clone 76, grown at slightly lower elevations between 655-690 feet. The wine was aged 25% in new French oak and aged 11 months in barrel before bottling.

The 2016 growing season was one of the earliest on record and the third of three consecutive warm growing seasons, pushing the envelope for defining the new normal in Oregon. Bud break was two to four weeks earlier than usual and a brief heat spell at bloom condensed flowering, resulting in a smaller fruit set and clusters. July and August had fewer heat spikes compared to the 2014 and 2015 vintages, which led to smaller berry size and a higher concentration of flavors, while consistent warmth in August shepherded along an early harvest commencing in late August and concluding in mid- September. The 2016 vintage produced ripe and rich fruit with supple tannins, typically strong natural acidity and great flavor intensity. 2016 was an exceptional vintage in Oregon.

We are proudly certified Low Input Viticulture and Enology (LIVE) and Salmon Safe.

Our Mission

To keep alive the passion and pioneering spirit that our family has been bringing to Oregon’s wine industry since 1971. Through the stewardship of our land, our vines, and our wines, we ensure that our love for this land and its grapes continues to inspire connection for generations to come.